AFL Draft 2021: Consensus rankings of the top 30 prospects
With draft prospects outside of Victoria strutting their stuff in front of recruiters, the make-up of the top 30 is changing. See who is rising and falling.
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This season has been another disjointed year for draft prospects due to Covid interruptions — particularly those in Victoria — making evaluating this crop a difficult task for club recruiters.
But unlike last year, a national carnival has taken place with South Australia and Western Australia locking horns in two games in the past month, with more to come involving the Allies — taking in Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
Victorian prospects, who were unable to take the field at all last year, have had increased exposure in 2021.
Some have had the opportunity to feature in the NAB League, Victorian trial match and an U19 Challenge contest, with country kids getting more chances to stake their draft claims than those in metropolitan areas.
So, who are the best 30 draft prospects in the country?
Talent watchers Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto have put their heads together to rank the best talents that your club could snare.
Find out their consensus top 30 and where they differed.
NOTE: This process is a ranking of the best talent available and does not factor in club draft picks and father-son or Academy bids — like top prospects Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy, tied to Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs respectively.
CONSENSUS TOP 30 DRAFT RANKINGS
1. Jason Horne-Francis (South Adelaide/SA)
Midfielder/forward, 184cm, 77kg
The South Adelaide midfielder has it all. He’s strong and tough on the inside, but also electrifying away from the contest and around goal, boasting a mix of speed, evasiveness and terrific hands overhead. Horne-Francis hasn’t just played senior football in the SANFL over the past two seasons, the fierce competitor has had a big impact, underlined by his remarkable 24-disposal, 11-clearance, 3-goal performance in the preliminary final.
Dan says: Daicos had been No. 1 all year in my rankings, until that stunning SANFL preliminary final display. His standout performances against hardened bodies makes him a deserving first choice.
Jordan says: When you’ve watched what he’s done up close at senior level for the past two years, it’s hard to look anywhere else. His skill is matched by his toughness and competitiveness, making him the complete prospect.
2. Nick Daicos (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 72kg
The prolific midfield/forward has been streets ahead of the rest every time he has stepped out on the park this season – his 41 disposals and two goals against Vic Country in an U19 Challenge match illustrating his dominance. Daicos oozes class, hits the scoreboard and has an elite footy IQ. Expect the Magpies father-son to slot straight into Craig McRae’s line-up in 2022.
Dan says: Sleepless nights deciding on Daicos v Horne-Francis. Arguably would be number one in my eyes if his season hadn’t been cut short by Covid.
Jordan says: His footy brain is the best in the draft pool and one of the best we’ve seen for a while. And he has the skill to match. Different strengths to Horne-Francis, but you’d be happy with either.
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3. Sam Darcy (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Key-forward/defender, 204cm, 75kg
The son of former Western Bulldogs captain Luke, Darcy is raw but the best key-position prospect in this year’s draft. The 204cm teenager boasts elite aerial ability and athleticism and has proven his versatility, impressing on every line throughout an impressive junior career. Darcy had 11 intercept possessions - five of them marks - for Oakleigh in Round 4 of the NAB League before booting six goals in a Vic Metro trial match in June.
Dan says: The standout tall of the draft class. Averaged the most intercept marks per game in the NAB League, showing his capacity to be used a key defender as well as up forward.
Jordan says: As much as I love what Darcy can do in the air, and the thought of what he could become, I have the next best midfielder in the pool slightly ahead.
4. Finn Callaghan (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 189cm, 82kg
A smooth-moving 189cm midfielder with speed and a raking left boot, Callaghan also proved he can be a weapon on the inside after spending more time in the coalface this season. A damaging offensive player who comes from an athletics background, with his father, Brett, a former Commonwealth Games 400m sprinter.
Dan says: Lots of game-breaking traits which gives him a point of difference from other midfielders in this crop. Have Darcy just ahead.
Jordan says: After proving he can win his own ball on the inside this year, Callaghan has all the traits of the perfect modern-day midfielder - that’s why I’ve got him just ahead of Darcy.
5. Josh Gibcus (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Key defender, 195cm, 84kg
Gibcus is an intercept marking defender who attacks the ball in the air with his incredible vertical leap and great hands. The 195cm Rebel rated elite for intercept marks (3.2 per game) and intercept possessions (7.9) in the NAB League, and has the capacity to be swung forward.
Dan says: Think Jake Lever. Looks to be the best key defender available, and his versatility is a plus.
Jordan says: At times impenetrable in defence, given his size, leap and hands above his head. Shown a great ability to get his long arms free when the ball is on the ground, too.
6. Ben Hobbs (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 183cm, 80kg
The hard-running midfielder, who was an All-Australian at under-16 level, is an elite ball-winner who thrives at the contest. Hobbs’ year was interrupted by injury but he bounced back late in the NAB League season, winning 32 disposals or more in three of his final four games. He’s tough, consistent and hits the scoreboard.
Dan says: Looking for an inside midfielder? Hobbs is your man, and he has shown he is more than capable around goal.
Jordan says: Hobbs does a lot of things very well, and looks a safe selection. But I think there are a few others who offer a bit more.
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7. Josh Ward (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 181cm, 74kg
Ward has been dominant at times this season, tallying 34 disposals in a best-on-ground performance against Daicos in Round 9, before starring with 29 disposals, eight clearances and two goals for Vic Metro in the challenge match in June. The left-footer is a prolific ball-winner, who is clean and clever at the contest, and damaging away from it, drawing comparison to Bombers star Zach Merrett.
Dan says: Mr Consistent. Should be a reliable contributor from the moment he earns an AFL debut.
Jordan says: Given the way he creates with is clean hands, and neat left foot, I’ve got Ward ahead of fellow Victorian gun Hobbs.
8. Mac Andrew (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Ruckman, 200cm, 70kg
Andrew has shot up draft boards this year after an exciting season where he showed off his outstanding athleticism and spring for a prospect standing 200cm. The Demons Next Generation Academy product set tongues wagging in an eye-catching U19 Challenge performance for Vic Country, with his intercept marking a feature. New NGA rules barring clubs to match bids inside the top 20 mean Melbourne is set to miss out on Andrew.
Dan says: May take time but is a prospect with as much upside as any. His follow-up work at stoppages is another promising attribute.
Jordan says: I wouldn’t be surprised if a club takes a chance on Andrew before this mark, given his sky-high potential and eye-catching traits.
9. Jye Amiss (East Perth/WA)
Key forward, 195cm, 83kg
After booting 51.14 in 14 WAFL Colts games - 16 more than any other player - and a brilliant performance against SA in the Under-19 carnival opener, the athletic tall looks the second best key-forward prospect behind Darcy. Amiss is brilliant on the lead, strong overhead and boasts uncanny goal sense for a big man.
Dan says: What he has achieved this year while commuting from Busselton to East Perth – that’s 2.5 hours one-way – for training and matches is phenomenal. Injury in the grand final showcase won’t impact his standing.
Jordan says: I have him slightly outside the top-10 but I’m still convinced after he backed up his dominant WAFL Colts season at national level.
10. Josh Sinn (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Defender/midfielder, 186cm, 73kg
Sinn has been hampered by a string of injuries this season but there is no doubting his talent as a game-breaking defender/midfielder with his run and kicking. While his finishing was off at times in the NAB League, Sinn was one of Vic Metro’s best in their Challenge contest.
Dan says: Rated as a potential No. 1 pick at U16 level, Sinn has had no luck in his top-age year. A club could get a serious bargain if he slides.
Jordan says: We haven’t seen much of him but Sinn’s ability to break the game open with his speed and foot skills is undeniable. Does he have more upside than Hobbs and Ward? Maybe.
11. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (Glenelg/SA)
Wingman, 188cm, 70kg
The athletically gifted teenager looms as this year’s top 10 bolter after impressing at senior level for Glenelg and showing off his brilliance for South Australia. Wanganeen-Milera - the nephew of Port Adelaide and Essendon great Gavin - glides across the ground and is incredibly balanced, delivering with precision on both sides of his body, often after dancing around an opponent.
Dan says: A kick you can set your watch to. His elite footskills and ability to dodge would-be tacklers make him a rare commodity.
Jordan says: Wanganeen-Milera weaving in and out of traffic before finding a teammate on the chest is a sight to behold. And he proved he can win his own ball at the contest, showing off his clean hands, at SANFL level.
12. Matty Roberts (South Adelaide/SA)
Midfielder/forward, 183cm, 81kg
The ball-magnet is tough, competitive, makes good decisions and an elite footy IQ means he’s always in the right spot. Roberts broke into South Adelaide’s senior side this year after finishing with ranking-point tallies of 175, 188 and 240 in three under-18 matches. He then further highlighted his strength as a forward at senior level, but it’s ability to continually deliver and influence the game through the midfield which has him so highly rated.
Dan says: Proved he can be a dangerous forward at SANFL senior level, kicking six goals in seven matches. Another bankable midfield option who is ready-made.
Jordan says: Some may have a more impressive highlights reel, but you could just about bank on Roberts playing 200 AFL games right now.
13. Josh Rachele (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Forward/midfielder, 180cm, 78kg
An explosive and dangerous forward/midfielder, Rachele produces magic in the forward 50 with his ability to kick goals from all angles. Likened to Giants dynamo Toby Greene, Rachele performed strongly in the Victorian trial and Challenge matches for Vic Country and kicked six goals in his final NAB League game of the season.
Dan says: Rachele’s highlights reel is going to be something to behold. His midfield traits – which he showcased in taking out the Kevin Sheehan Medal as MVP at the U16 carnival – can’t be forgotten, either. Rate him as a top-ten choice.
Jordan says: Brilliant as a midfielder at the under-16 champs but can he play there at AFL level? Maybe he doesn’t need to, given his goalkicking traits.
14. Tyler Sonsie (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 181cm, 77kg
A dynamic and creative midfield prospect who hits the scoreboard, showing these traits in an exciting VFL debut for Box Hill, finishing with 26 disposals, six clearances and two goals. Suffered an ill-timed ankle injury in July which meant he was unable to get back on the park.
Dan says: A similar story to Sinn as a highly touted prospect going into this season. Others look to have gone ahead of him due to being sidelined.
Jordan says: Like a few others, Sonsie hasn’t been able to enhance his standing in the draft pool this year. But what he’s done at multiple levels throughout his junior career has been very, very good.
15. Arlo Draper (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder/forward, 186cm, 71kg
The versatile 186cm onballer weaves through traffic with ease and can go forward and hit the scoreboard, booting 10 goals and averaging 24 disposals in eight under-18 matches this year. Draper, who has plenty of time with ball in hand, made his senior debut for South Adelaide in August and underlined the reasons why he’s in the top-20 mix against WA, where his clean hands, ability to execute under pressure in the midfield and power as a marking target inside-50 were on show.
Dan says: Was a big fan of his U18 finals series last year and he boosted his stocks further in 2021. Joining Horne-Francis and Roberts in the SANFL side for a couple of matches was encouraging.
Jordan says: Another South Adelaide junior who has plenty of traits to like - mainly his size, class and versatility. Only question is, where will he best be suited at the top level?
16. Neil Erasmus (Subiaco/Western Australia)
Midfielder/forward, 192cm, 80kg
Playing as a forward in his bottom-age year, Erasmus put himself on the AFL radar with a standout four-goal performance in Subiaco’s WAFL Colts premiership win. And he’s shot further up draft boards after moving into the midfield in 2021, averaging 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight marks, six clearances and 168 ranking points in four games.
Erasmus has added genuine ball-winning ability – at the contest and away from it - to his list of elite traits, which include vertical leap, strong overhead marking and work ethic.
Dan says: Has plenty of scope for growth after transitioning from a half-forward at the end of last season to a tall midfielder. Fun fact: I was watching Erasmus highlights when the Melbourne earthquake hit. Was this the seismic impact of his breakout year?
Jordan says: His improvement has been rapid and he’s a great size with some explosive traits. But his kicking concerns me slightly.
17. Josh Goater (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/defender 190cm, 79kg
Goater is a high-impact player, possessing explosive speed and agility that he has showcased off halfback and through the midfield to great effect. A good size at 190cm, he impressed as an inside midfielder for Vic Metro and shone as a running defender later in the year for the Cannons, also breaking in for a game with Essendon’s VFL side.
Dan says: Blessed with athletic gifts and stacks of X-Factor. One who could rise with impressive results at the National Combine.
Jordan says: Given his potential as a 190cm midfielder, with game-breaking speed and a damaging right-foot, I have Goater on the fringes of the top 10.
18. Matthew Johnson (Subiaco/Western Australia)
Midfielder, 190cm, 78kg
The tall, balanced midfielder capped off an impressive bottom-age season with a standout WAFL Colts Grand Final. And Johnson’s rise continued in 2021, with the skilful right-footer making his senior debut in May, a week after a solid showing in the AFL Academy side’s loss to Geelong’s reserves. Johnson, who was WA’s best in the second U19 Challenge game in September, is tough, clean, clever in traffic, good in the air and looks to have plenty of upside
Dan says: Very impressed with his finish to the season, including two stellar U19s Championships matches. A classy addition to any on-ball brigade.
Jordan says: Could prove a very good get in the teens come draft night given his size, class, scope for improvement and skill.
19. Campbell Chesser (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/defender, 186cm, 83kg
Had a similar year to Sinn, with the fellow Dragons prospect and AFL Academy member sidelined and playing through injury at different stages in 2021. Chesser is a pacy halfback and on-ball option with highly regarded leadership qualities and a long kick.
Dan says: Others may have edged ahead of him through no fault of his own, but his off-field qualities – having boarded at Melbourne Grammar from Wangaratta – mean he will enter the AFL system better adjusted than most.
Jordan says: The explosive Chesser bounces around and makes things happen when he’s got the ball. A few clubs may have seen enough to take him higher than this.
20. Jacob van Rooyen (Claremont/WA)
Key forward/defender, 193cm, 87kg
After booting 19 goals in 10 WAFL Colts games in his bottom-age year, the athletic van Rooyen made five senior appearances for Claremont in 2021 and is terrific in the air, whether it be on the lead or one-out, given his outstanding bodywork. The AFL Academy member booted 13 goals in three games on his return to Colts level before showcasing his versatility, taking five intercept marks in the first two state games against SA.
Dan says: Has risen up draft boards after an exceptional six-week period, lifting in important WAFL Colts finals as a goalkicker and his two U19 Championships matches down back.
Jordan says: Has been dominant in the air at either of the ground and moves very well for a player of his size.
21. Sam Butler (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Midfielder/forward, 184cm, 73kg
Butler, the brother of St Kilda pocket rocket Dan, is a creative forward/midfielder who provides manic defensive pressure. The Rebels product wins his own ball on the inside cleanly and burst out of congestion at pace, with his forward crumbing also a strength.
Dan says: More advanced than his brother and strengthened his claims despite a chest injury which sidelined him for the U19 Challenge clash.
Jordan says: So clean at the contest, and can explode away from it. Could be more than just a forward.
22. Darcy Wilmot (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Defender, 183cm, 75kg
A quick and agile halfback who loves to use his run and carry from defence, Wilmot is also a fierce one-on-one competitor defensively. The 183cm prospect was among Vic Metro’s best in the Victorian Challenge match.
Dan says: Lots of upside considering he only turns 18 on New Year’s Eve. Balances his exciting attacking traits with sturdy defence.
Jordan says: The youngest player in this year’s draft can take the game away from the opposition - with or without the ball - in the back-half.
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23. Jack Williams (East Fremantle/WA)
Key-forward, 195cm, 91kg
The strong-marking forward exploded in 2021, booting 40 goals in 15 WAFL Colts matches and was No. 1 ranked player for score involvements. The 195cm first-round prospect, who is terrific one-on-one and rarely beating in the air, can also play in defence as he showed in the early stages of his bottom-age season when he took eight intercept marks in the first four matches. Williams took nine marks against South Australia in August and was one of only two goalkickers in the AFL Academy game against Geelong’s VFL team in April.
Dan says: Showcased his consistency in scoring above 100 ranking points in all but one game at WAFL Colts level – no mean feat for a key forward.
Jordan says: Has pushed his name up near fellow WA tall Van Rooyen on draft board’s after a standout season.
24. Jesse Motlop (South Fremantle/WA)
Forward/midfielder, 176cm, 74kg
The skilful speedster is the son of former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne forward Daniel, and he has the brilliant goal sense of his father. After booting six goals, and impressing through the midfield, in four WAFL Colts games to start the year, and starring for Aquinas College, Motlop made his League debut for South Fremantle in July. At senior level, Motlop showed off his sublime ability through traffic and clean hands.
Dan says: May be the leading pure small forward in the pool after proving to be a consistent goalkicker at WAFL senior level for South Fremantle.
Jordan says: Has made kids his own age - and men - look silly this season. Unlikely to be on the board for as long as the Dockers are hoping.
25. Zac Taylor (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 180cm, 74kg
Calder’s midfield gun is a defensively-minded ball-winner who is agile on his feet, composed under pressure, and has brilliant hands at stoppages. But what separates Taylor from a number of similar players is he rarely wastes the ball by foot. He averaged 34 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight tackles and 168 ranking points in his final three NAB League games and impressed in the Challenge match against Vic Country in July.
Dan says: A deserving member in the top 30 after a blistering finish to the season, where his elite footskills, ball-winning and composure stood out.
Jordan says: Taylor makes great decisions with the ball in hand - and he’s so often got it.
26. Blake Howes (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/midfielder, 190cm, 79kg
Howes is a versatile and athletic prospect who was hitting his straps before the NAB League shutdown, kicking two goals and winning 20 disposals in his final game for the season against the Rebels. The 190cm product has a turn of speed, a great leap and a long kick, allowing him to be used in a variety of roles.
Dan says: Would have been higher on my rankings if he continued on his trajectory. Possesses a number of attractive traits.
Jordan says: A lack of exposure has hurt but his best is eye-catching and he could prove one of the steals of the draft. I’ve got him higher.
27. Toby Conway (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Ruckman, 204cm, 90kg
The 204cm ruckman is mobile, strong overhead and has good skills for a prospect his size. Conway held the number one ruck role for the AFL Academy against Geelong’s VFL side earlier in the year and performed strongly for Vic Country in the U19 Challenge match.
Dan says: The leading pure ruckman. Will take time to mature.
Jordan says: There’s no Luke Jackson-like athleticism but Conway is best ruckman in this year’s crop.
28. Jase Burgoyne (Eagles/SA)
Midfielder/defender, 185cm, 70kg
In his bottom-age season, the son of former Port Adelaide star Peter, Jase won the Eagles’ under-18 best-and-fairest in a premiership year, averaging 33 disposals and 133 ranking points. The highly-skilled father-son prospect hasn’t been as dominant in 2021 after splitting his time between different levels at different clubs. Burgoyne is smart and has done his best work across half-back and on a wing but has plenty of upside as an allround midfielder.
Dan says: Has a strong body of work and featured for Port Adelaide’s SANFL side on three occasions. A smooth mover with a precise right foot kick.
Jordan says: He’s still raw but is as talented and skilful as any South Australian in this year’s pool.
29. Mitch Knevitt (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder, 193cm, 81kg
A hulking inside midfielder, Knevitt wins contested ball in congestion and can haul in marks with his strong hands overhead. The Falcons prospect dominated in his final three NAB League games, averaging 30.3 disposals, 14.7 contested possessions and 6.3 marks.
Dan says: Ranking points hauls of 151, 136 and 165 to close out the season. A great size and showed he can be a marking presence up forward.
Jordan says: If he can put it together as a tall midfielder, he could prove very hard to stop around the ground.
30. Tom Brown (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Defender, 186cm, 71kg
Sidelined for two months during the season, Brown impressed with his intercepting, speed and poise across halfback in five games for the Bushrangers in the NAB League. Brown is the son of former Cat, Paul, but does not qualify for father-son status — unlike his sister, Geelong AFLW gun Millie.
Dan says: Was just outside my top 30, having other defenders marginally ahead.
Jordan says: Dashing playmaker has plenty of suitors - and rightly so.
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